Abstract: A stand-alone interbody fixation system having a cage, anterior fixation blade and posterior fixation blade. The cage includes an annular side wall with an open interior and upper and lower surfaces, the cage being configured to fit between end plates of adjacent vertebrae. The anterior fixation blade includes an anterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending anterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The posterior fixation blade includes a posterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending posterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The anterior alignment boss and posterior alignment boss being rotatably coupled to each other and with a first opening and a second opening in the annular side wall opposite the first opening.

Abstract: A device, kit and method for the correction of spinal deformity using an anterior approach. The device comprises a screw-head platform (102), wherein the screw-head platform (102) comprises a primary recess (112) for receiving a primary rod (114), and a main vertebral body screw (104) rotatably connected to the screw-head platform (102).

Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices and corpectomy devices suitable for use with an oblique implantation. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer having a substantially U-shaped body and a plate coupled to the spacer. The overall shape of the implant is asymmetrical such that a median plane, an oblique plane, or both planes divide the spacer and the plate into two asymmetrical halves. The implants are shaped and configured to allow for an oblique or anterolateral approach to the spine or an oblique corpectomy.

Abstract: A pedicle screw comprises a head. A shaft is joined to the head. The shaft comprises a first threaded portion, a middle portion and a second threaded portion. The middle portion comprises a modified threaded portion being configured to mitigate damage to a patient's nerve root. A first marker is joinable to the shaft proximate the modified threaded portion. The first marker comprises a material being radiographically distinguishable from the shaft in which a placement of the modified threaded portion is observable.

Abstract: Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having splay control surfaces. Multi-start closures and closures with inner set screws have splay control contours for interlocking with cooperating flange forms of bone anchor receivers. Flange form heights, thicknesses and other geometry, such as splay control ramp angle may be varied.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw. The system allows attachment to a bone screw using a retaining ring with a blocker ring to assure proper ring positioning. The retaining ring having a continuous inner surface wall and an outer wall having a notch. Upon installation the retainer wall is expanded causing a break at the notch producing an audible and tactile indication that the sufficient force has been applied to set the retainer and blocker rings locking the bone screw to a U-shaped connecting assembly.

Abstract: An intramedullary device includes an intramedullary nail extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the nail including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and an opening extending laterally through a wall thereof proximate the distal end, the channel including a ramped surface along a distal portion thereof opposite the opening. The device further includes a wire extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the wire sized and shaped to be inserted into the channel of the nail such that the distal end engages the ramped surface to extend through the opening.

Abstract: An implantable device may include a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, and a central screw that extends from a rear ramped actuator through a front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further include a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate. The implantable device may further include a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, the second plate configured to be received on the central screw. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: The present application provides a tool for minimally invasive surgical procedures. The tool includes a first and second portion where each portion has an outer blade and an inner blade that is slidable along the outer blade. A removable connector connects the first and second portions. When removed, the first and second portions are separated by a gap extending the length of the tool.

Abstract: A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an opening device having an actuator positioned along an upright portion of the skull clamp near where a pin assembly contacts a patient's head for stabilization. The opening device can be actuated such that the relative distance between arms of the skull clamp can be opened, closed, or adjusted. The opening device is substantially positioned within one of the arms of the skull clamp. In some versions the skull clamp further comprises an attachment feature having an offset configuration.

Abstract: An implantable device may comprise a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, the actuator assembly comprising a front ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, a rear ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, and a central screw that extends from the rear ramped actuator through the front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further comprise a first plate and a second plate.

Abstract: The present invention in general provides methods for reducing RF-induced heating in an external fixation device including at least two bars, at least two clamps and at least two pins; and external fixation devices with significantly lower RF heating at the pins' tips when compared to other external fixation devices.

Abstract: A spinal rod insertion instrument includes a hollow, monolithic body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body defines a passageway that extends along a first axis between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes first and second arms defining a slot therebetween. The first and second arms are configured to releasably retain a spinal rod therebetween. Also provided is a method of securing a spinal rod to a coupling element attached with a pedicle screw.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a tissue separation and equalization device includes a generally elongated tissue insertion member; at least one tissue separating member opening in the tissue insertion member; at least one elongated tissue separating member having at least one flexible or bendable expansion segment, respectively, extending longitudinally within the tissue insertion member generally adjacent to the at least one tissue separating member opening, respectively; and a driving mechanism engaging the at least one tissue separating member and operable to displace the at least one tissue separating member within the tissue insertion member and expand or buckle the at least one expansion segment outwardly from the tissue insertion member through the at least one tissue separating member opening, respectively.

Abstract: A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an opening device having an actuator positioned along an upright portion of the skull clamp near where a pin assembly contacts a patient's head for stabilization. The opening device can be actuated such that the relative distance between arms of the skull clamp can be opened, closed, or adjusted. The opening device is substantially positioned within one of the arms of the skull clamp. In some versions the skull clamp further comprises an attachment feature having an offset configuration.

Abstract: A medical image routing system that allows for a user to override the current routing of medical image data such that a user need only activate an input device and the first medical image data routing to a display(s) is automatically interrupted and second medical image data is automatically routed to the display(s). Upon activation of the input device a second time, the first medical image data routing is automatically reestablished and the second medical image data is automatically interrupted.

Abstract: A medical image routing system that allows for a user to override the current routing of medical image data such that a user need only activate an interface to automatically interrupt the the first medical image data routing to a display(s) with the second medical image data automatically routed to the display(s). Upon activation of the interface a second time, the first medical image data routing is automatically reestablished and the second medical image data is automatically interrupted.

Abstract: A circular external fixator, comprising a plurality of rings mutually associated by means of spacer members, each of said rings comprising a plurality of axial bores adapted to engage a fastening means for wire retaining devices. The rings have coupling portions for the connection of the spacer members; each coupling portion has a radial slot adapted to receive a head of one of the spacer member with a snap-on connection.

Abstract: An intervertebral support insertion tool includes a tube having a distal open end for insertion in a patient proximate vertebra and a proximal open end. A shaft is received in the tube proximal open end and has a distal intervertebral support interface for engaging an intervertebral support loaded into the tube. A housing supports the tube and shaft with a first drive mechanism such a linear actuator advances the shaft in the tube. A second drive mechanism such as a rotational drive rotates the shaft. In this way the shaft advances and rotates the intervertebral support to position and deploy it between adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal rod locking holder includes an outer body, a handle assembly at a proximal end of the outer body, a locking assembly within a distal portion of the outer body, and a sprocket assembly at the distal end of the outer body. The handle assembly includes a moveable handle operatively associated with the sprocket assembly to selectively engage and release an end of a spinal rod. The locking assembly including a bearing operatively associated with a pawl such that when the moveable handle is compressed the bearing extends the pawl into contact with an outer surface of the sprocket assembly. The sprocket assembly including sprocket sections configured to compress against the end of the spinal rod when the pawl engages the outer surface of the sprocket assembly.